The BEST Areas of El Paso Texas in 2024 | HORIZON CITY

The Best Areas of El Paso in 2024: Horizon City

Welcome to living in El Paso, Texas. Every year we update our neighborhood guides to keep you informed about the best areas to live. We've already covered the Northeast and the Far East. Horizon City is directly south of the Far East and is one of the most popular locations for buyers looking for value and new construction.

A Brief History of Horizon City

Horizon City was incorporated by referendum in October 1988. Interestingly, it took its name from the Horizon Corporation, a real estate development company that began developing the area in the early 1960s.

The Horizon Corporation bought large tracts of land in the southwestern United States, including Eastern El Paso County. They platted subdivisions and sold lots to thousands of people worldwide, often sight unseen. These lots typically had no access to water or utilities, and the company used questionable sales tactics. Between 1962 and 1975, they sold extensively this way.

Eventually the Federal Trade Commission stepped in and stopped the practice in 1981. Only one portion of the original development was successfully developed-near the intersection of Horizon Boulevard and Canoso Street-and this became the nucleus of modern Horizon City. On the outskirts, especially further east, you'll still see platted areas that are just desert, sand, and dirt with no utilities. Looking at maps, you can see lines where streets are supposed to be, but they don't exist. People from around the world were convinced to buy these plots using questionable sales tactics, and still today, at least five people reach out to us annually asking to sell inherited plots of land-unfortunately they're worth nothing now.

Despite this unusual beginning, Horizon City has grown into a great little community.

Understanding Horizon City's Geography and Governance

Horizon City has about 8.7 square miles of total area. It's technically separate from El Paso city. The city has a mayor and seven council members elected to four-year terms. According to the 2020 census, there were approximately 22,000 to 23,000 residents.

Property taxes are notably different between Horizon City and El Paso. Horizon City has six taxing entities: El Paso County, the Sakuro School District (with about a 1.25% tax rate-the biggest entity), El Paso Community Colleges, Emergency Services, University Medical Center, and the Municipal Utility District called PEDRM (MUD #3), which has about a 0.7% tax rate.

El Paso City proper has five taxing entities: City of El Paso (0.82% rate-which Horizon City residents don't pay), El Paso County, El Paso Independent School District, EPCC Community College, and University Medical Center. Horizon City doesn't pay into the city of El Paso, but does pay into a Municipal Utility District that El Paso residents don't. The property taxes in Horizon City are slightly higher, but not significantly so.

Why Horizon City Is Popular

Horizon City offers excellent value and new construction compared to other areas. The majority of homes are priced between $200,000 and $400,000, with most homes in the $280,000 to $300,000 range. Some homes are priced below $200,000, and there are exceptions ranging up to $500,000 to $600,000, but these are less common.

Most homes in Horizon City are newer, with the majority built from 2015 onward, particularly from 2020s forward. It's predominantly new construction, though you can find older homes from the 2000s or even 1990s if you look.

The average home is 1,825 square feet, typically ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet. This is significant because it's what most people are looking for. It's rare in El Paso to find new construction with five or six bedrooms. Most are 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom homes or 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom homes. This is a major reason Horizon City is popular-it offers what the majority of people relocating to El Paso are seeking.

The listing price per square foot averages $161, which is excellent and matches the El Paso average of $160 per square foot. You get good value, especially for newer homes. When looking for new construction with the most options, Horizon City is the place. The West Side has fewer options, and the Far East has some, but Horizon City dominates new construction availability. Many builders are offering incentives, making Horizon City an attractive option financially.

Amenities and Recent Development

A common misconception is that Horizon City has nothing-just old dirt with a few scattered homes. While there were open desert areas with little development, that's changed dramatically.

A big Amazon distribution center is now located there. Restaurants have opened, including a favorite local restaurant that used to be only in downtown El Paso-there's now a Horizon City location, which is remarkable.

When I first started documenting this area, people loved the homes but complained about having to drive to the east side for a grocery store. That's completely changed. Horizon City now has groceries, hospitals, schools, restaurants, and virtually everything you need.

The traffic situation is worth noting. People-especially longtime El Paso residents-complain about traffic in Horizon City, particularly during rush hours. This is partly because Horizon City is extremely popular as an area for newer homes at lower prices compared to the West Side. It has excellent amenities and is popular with military families looking for new homes. The influx of residents has increased traffic, especially on Montana Street, which is being widened to help alleviate congestion and run parallel to Interstate 10, eventually getting you to the airport more efficiently.

March can be particularly challenging with wind kicking up sand and dirt, making the area look apocalyptic at times. However, this shouldn't deter you-the area inside Horizon City proper is nice with parks, green grass, and pleasant landscaping. The desert appearance is more noticeable outside the city limits.

Growth and Community

Horizon City is experiencing significant growth. There are numerous new restaurants, stores, and schools opening. The transformation from old and sparse to developed and vibrant has been remarkable for residents who've watched it change.

Some people perceive Horizon City as far from El Paso or disconnected. In reality, it's growing so much that it's become practically adjacent to El Paso. You might be on a street where one house is labeled El Paso and the next house says Horizon City-they're that close now.

Making Your Decision

Horizon City really does offer the most bang for your buck when it comes to new construction. The affordability, newer homes, excellent amenities, and community growth make it an outstanding choice for buyers. If you're looking at relocation to El Paso and want new construction with value, Horizon City deserves serious consideration.

If you're interested in purchasing a home in Horizon City, reach out to us. We appreciate everyone watching the channel and providing value about El Paso neighborhoods is what we're about.